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Franciscan friars have a long relationship with brewing...and visiting Friar James Carlo Muzzey, OFM Conv. used to post beer reviews on YouTube!
Friar James Carlo hails from Germany, which is famous for its pilsners, wheat beers, and kolsch. But when Friar James Carlo heads to a brewery, his first choice is almost always an IPA. "IPAs are my go-to," he says. "But a lot of the time it depends on the season. In general, I always look for, 'OK, where's the next IPA [to try]?' And then from there I'm just experimenting different other other kinds of beer." For Friar James Carlo, beer is a perfect example of God's creation. Like any other drink, it's mainly made of water. Add some grains, hops, yeast, and human labor, and it becomes a wonderful drink to enjoy with friends and family. Even St. Arnulf of Metz is credited with saying, "From man’s sweat and God’s love, beer came into the world!" Read: Meet Visiting Friar James Carlo Muzzey, OFM Conv. Before Friar James Carlo heads back to Texas to continue his studies with the Conventual Franciscans, we decided to put him on the spot: what is his favorite German beer? How does it compare with the local Dovetail Hefeweizen? We selected two German-made beers to compare with two German-style options brewed here in the U.S. Which is the most ausgezeichnet? Watch the video to find out!  We are so proud of our Br. Ayub Mwenda, OFM Conv., who was recently honored at a ceremony at the Polish Consulate of Chicago. Br. Ayub received the Friend of Polonia Award, which recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the life and development of the Polish community in the United States. Br. Ayub has helped countless people through his work at the Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen. He also has longtime connections with Poland - he speaks the language fluently after studying theology and earning his masters at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow. Gratulacje on this well-deserved honor! Read more: New Costco Partnership Brings Big-Box Value to Food Pantry  *Images courtesy Conventual Franciscans - Province of St. Bonaventure Province of St. Bonaventure Highlights Hard-Working Food Pantry Staff, Volunteers with Video Series7/23/2026
households and 7,499 individuals); however, they appear to represent a "new normal" of need in the community. A video series from the Conventual Franciscans of the Province of St. Bonaventure highlights some of the committed team members who are meeting this demand: Friar Ayub Mwenda, OFM Conv.This is the second time Friar Ayub Mwenda, OFM Conv. has served as director of the Food Pantry. He first led the operation from 2019 to 2020, before returning to Mary, Mother of God Parish in 2024. Friar Ayub ensures the pantry remains well-stocked with a variety of nutritious food options, recently coordinating a new partnership with Costco Wholesale. His work at the Pantry was recently acknowledged with the Friend of Polonia Award, presented by the Consulate General of Poland in Chicago. Friar James Carlo Muzzey, OFM Conv.Friar James Carlo Muzzey, OFM Conv. has been a new face at the Food Pantry this summer. Friar James Carlo is on break from his studies with the Conventuals. He is using the time to get a feel for parish life, with the main goal of serving a parish as a priest. He says his personal experience with food pantries makes the opportunity to serve even more meaningful. Kara ChmielewskiKara Chmielewski is one of our dedicated Food Pantry volunteers. Whether it's working the produce section or building shelves with her bare hands, Kara has gone above and beyond serving our neighbors. She explains what motivates her to serve others. The Food Pantry at St. Thomas of Canterbury serves about 1,500 people each month. Given last year’s record pace, continued support remains vital.
The Mary, Mother of God Parish Human Concerns Committee is inviting parishioners to prayerfully consider becoming part of a regular and dependable volunteer effort supporting these ministries throughout the year. During the summer months — and especially throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons — we experience significant volunteer shortages as many students and regular groups become unavailable. Please consider volunteering your time or making a donation to help sustain these essential services. As a Franciscan parish community, we are called not only to give financially, but also to become the hands and feet of Christ through personal service. Interested in becoming a Conventual Franciscan? Click here.  Friar James Carlo Muzzey, OFM Conv. picks up broccoli, croissants, muffins and more! (Image courtesy Br. Ayub Mwenda, OFM Conv.) We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Costco Wholesale, which is already providing additional high-quality food for our neighbors. Every Friday, Costco will provide the pantry with a variety of staples, including bakery items, produce, and other shelf-stable options. Food Pantry Director Br. Ayub Mwenda, OFM Conv. is always looking for ways to provide more nutritious options for our neighbors in need. Thank you to Costco and to our volunteers who help make weekly distribution possible!
Our Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen are in need of volunteers - sign up to help at our new web portal! Interested in financially supporting our operations? Visit our GiveCentral page or contact the main office. Thank you!  Tastes of Summer wouldn't be complete without our excellent entertainers! - Fan favorites DJ Orlando and the Muzik Engine Band will provide the vibes - Come see St. Jerome's Danza Guadalupana group perform in honor of Our Blessed Mother Entertainment Schedule2 PM - 3 PM: Muzik Engine Band 3 PM - 4 PM: DJ Orlando 4 PM - 4:30 PM: Danza Guadalupana 4:30 PM: DJ Orlando Don't miss these cultural experiences at Tastes of Summer at Saint Ita church (5500 N. Broadway) on July 26!
Make the day even better and take a culinary trip around the world for just $20 - click here to buy your food tickets today!  The Mary, Mother of God Parish offices will be closed from July 3 - 5 in observance of Independence Day. We will celebrate our usual Mass schedule this weekend, though there will be no first Sunday socials at Saint Ita. See the Mass times page for details.
--------- Las oficinas de la Parroquia María, Madre de Dios permanecerán cerradas del 3 al 5 de julio en observancia del Día de la Independencia. Celebraremos nuestro horario habitual de Misas este fin de semana, aunque no habrá sociales del primer domingo en Saint Ita. Consulte la página de horarios de Misas para más detalles. WATCH: International Chamber Artists Play 'Sounds of Appalachian Spring' at St. Gregory the Great7/1/2026
 Mary, Mother of God Parish began its Independence Day celebrations early with a special patriotic performance by International Chamber Artists. This "Semiquincentennial Celebration of Sound" at St. Gregory the Great featured all-American favorites and original compositions from the group. Guests were treated to "An American in Paris" & the full "Appalachian Spring" ballet, complete with its original orchestration of 13 musicians. Watch the full performance of "An American in Paris" & highlights from "Appalachian Spring" below! |
